The Los Angeles Kings will give it another try to eliminate the Phoenix Coyotes tonight, Tuesday May 22nd, in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals. The Coyotes won their first game of the series, but still trail 3-1. NHL oddsmakers have installed the Kings as -125 moneyline road favorites over the Coyotes (+115) with the over/under set at 4.5 goals. Be sure to check the Los Angeles Kings vs Phoenix Coyotes Western Conference Finals Game 5 2012 NHL Playoff Odds before they drop the puck.

LA (11-2, 7-0 V) goalie Jonathan Quick stopped 19 shots for the Kings, who suffered their first loss since April 18th against the visiting Vancouver Canucks in Game 4 of the Western Conference quarterfinals.

The Kings have tied an NHL record with seven consecutive wins away from LA. and their 7-0 road ledger to start the playoffs ties another NHL mark set by the 1999 Colorado Avalanche. Additionally, they’ve won nine straight on the road dating back to last spring and that matches a league mark for the most road wins spanning consecutive postseasons held by the New York Islanders (1982-83).

“We are still in a good position; that’s why we have to hit the reset button, refocus, and make sure we have a lot of energy for Tuesday,” said Kings forward Anze Kopitar, who had his point streak snapped at six games.

Phoenix (9-6, 4-5 H) still has a pulse thanks in large part to the performance of goaltender Mike Smith in Sunday’s Game 4 at the Staples Center. Smith posted his third shutout of the postseason, turning aside 36 shots to help anchor Phoenix in the 2-0 win. He also helped kill off all six of L.A.’s power-play opportunities in Game 3. Phoenix has yet to allow a power-play goal on the road this postseason (27-for-27 killing penalties). Shane Doan scored both goals for Phoenix.

The reality of the situation still is grim. Elimination remains a possibility, and with the series shifting to the dessert, the Kings’ success in this building is daunting. Not only did they nab consecutive victories here to build a 2-0 head start, but they remain undefeated on the road with a 7-0 record in the playoffs. “It’s why they’re up 3-1,” winger Radim Vrbata said. “We lost the first two home games. If we want this series to continue, we have to win. It’s that simple. If we do, their streak will be over. But I don’t think we’re looking at any streaks — who won how many on the road — we just have to win the next game again.”

The Bottom Line: I believe the Kings can rebound, they must get the first goal and avoid the penalty box. Want to dominate the books this season with some of the best NHL Picks Experts in the business? Then sign up right now and get NHL Picks Free!

Recent Trends to Consider:
Over is 5-2-1 in the last 8 meetings in Phoenix.
Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.
Kings are 7-0 in their last 7 road games.
Kings are 5-0 in their last 5 playoff games as a favorite of -110 to -150.
Kings are 5-0 in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Kings are 7-0 in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Kings are 8-1 in their last 9 vs. a team with a winning record.
Coyotes are 5-0 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Coyotes are 5-1 in their last 6 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Coyotes are 5-1 in their last 6 playoff games as an underdog of +110 to +150.
Kings are 13-3 in their last 16 games as a favorite of -110 to -150.